Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves.
What about the mom-and-pop businesses in town and nearby that are the backbone of America’s economy? Just when do they get their day?
That’s basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born.
Small Business Saturday is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.
American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Celebrating its third year on Nov. 24, the event drew over 100 million people last year, according to the Small Business Saturday website.
Locally owned business across the country now take part in Small Business Saturday, offering their own deals to rival those offered on Black Friday.
To find retailers in town that take part in the promotion, just visit the Small Business Saturday website, click on “Find Out Where To Shop” in the menu at the top of the screen and type in your ZIP code.
What are your favorite small businesses? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
As a former Director with the Hercules Chamber of Commerce and a current member of the Hercules Community Library Foundation Board of Directors, I would encourage all residents of the Hercules area to support the businesses that contributed to the recent 6th Annual Gala Dinner for the Library. All net proceeds of the event, which totaled around $20,000, will be applied to keeping the Hercules Library open for 40 hours a week. These businesses, many of which qualify as small businesses, were extremely helpful in making the event a success. The contributions ranged from a sponsorship, purchasing an advertisement in the Program, donating silent auction prizes, or donating raffle prizes. They businesses are listed on the Hercules Community Library Foundation website, and are listed on a "Thank You Board" in the Library. As you visit the Library, please take a minute to review this list.